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Lifetime achievement award for school leader who’s dedicated decades to educating children
An inspirational Teesside schools leader has been honoured with a national award.
Julie Deville, CEO of the Extol Trust, has scooped the Silver Award for Lifetime Achievement in the National Teaching Awards. She was selected from thousands of nominations and was awarded for her outstanding commitment to changing the lives of children.
Julie has worked in education for over 37 years and has predominantly worked in the North East where she has championed education within the region.
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She became a headteacher in 2000 and as a National Leader of Education supported colleagues in a number of schools across the region. Julie remains passionate about the school-led system and, as CEO ofExtol Trust, is driven by the responsibility as a civic leader.
Schools which are part of the Extol Trust include Eldon Grove Academy, Springwell School and Rossmere Academy in Hartlepool, along with Middlesbrough’s Thorntree Academy.
Julie has now been shortlisted to win one of just 16 Gold Awards, which will be announced and celebrated at a gala ceremony in London on November 25 and televised on the BBC, with winners showcased on The One Show.
The honours were announced on National Thank a Teacher Day, an annual event celebrating the role of educators across the UK for the valued role they play in communities and shaping young people. This year, students were joined by celebrities including Sir Michael Morpurgo, Edith Bowman, Bobby Seagull, Ore Oduba and Nadiya Hussain to mark their teachers’ achievements.
The Pearson National Teaching Awards is an annual celebration of excellence in education run by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity now in its 25th year, that recognises the life-changing work that takes place in education, highlighting the vital role educators play and the work that’s delivered in schools and colleges every day.
Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children’s Laureate, and president of the Teaching Awards Trust, said: “I am inspired by the devotion of teachers and the huge impact they have on the lives of the young people they tutor, support, encourage and motivate day in and day out.
“The valuable role they play both inside and outside the classroom has inspired generations of young people across the country to achieve their potential. I am delighted to congratulate the winners of the 2023 Awards and thank them all for the amazing contributions they have made to our communities.”
Sharon Hague, senior vice president of Schools at Pearson UK, said: “We can’t underestimate the huge contribution schools make to our young people’s lives and Julie is an inspiring example of the positive impact an individual can have on pupils and communities.”
And, Secretary of State for Education Gillian Keegan, said: “People go into teaching to change lives, and so many of us are lucky to have been shaped and influenced by the best of the teaching profession.
“These awards mark the exceptional contribution that incredible headteachers, teachers and support staff make every single day, nurturing the potential of our young people across the country. Congratulations to each and every winner and thank you for all you do for our children”
